Apparel with improved protection and performance

ABSTRACT

Apparel articles such as undergarments, performance apparel, and other articles of clothes are described. The apparel articles incorporate various combinations of materials and fabrics to offer breathability, water repellency, wicking, moisture management, odor-free protection, and/or other benefits. The articles can have an open- or closed-front design. Further, an insert can be fixed or removably secured to a gusset section of the article to offer replacement and cleaning convenience. The inserts can be comprised of materials such as viscose, polyester, and/or other materials.

FIELD

This invention generally relates to apparel with improved protection andperformance. More particularly, this invention relates to open- andclosed-style undergarments with incorporated or removable inserts thatoffer improved performance and moisture management.

BACKGROUND

Current performance and intimate apparel incorporates differentmaterials to aid in common problems related to sweat, moisture incurredin high energy activities, general incontinence, or other problems. Moreparticularly, some apparel comprises materials capable of wicking awaysome moisture from the skin. Further, many current garments incorporatea predominate percentage of cotton in the body of the garments. However,there are shortcomings in current performance and intimate apparel andgarments. For example, current apparel is inefficient or ineffective inoffering breathability, water repellency, wicking, moisture management,and/or odor-free protection. Further, current apparel does not offeropen- and closed-style designs with incorporated or removable insertsconfigured to aid in or improve the ability of the wearer to stay drythrough breathability, wicking, and the use of absorbent, non-wovenmaterials.

Therefore, a need exists for improved performance and intimate apparelthat can efficiently and effectively alleviate common problems. Moreparticularly, a need exists for performance and intimate apparelcomprising new and improved combinations of fabrics, and constructed inopen styles and closed styles, with incorporated or removable inserts.

SUMMARY

Implementations are directed to an undergarment for improvingprotection. The undergarment comprises a body with a gusset sectionattached thereto. The gusset section comprises a front section that isconfigured to be removably secured to the body, and an openingcomprising a set of tabs. The undergarment further comprises an insertthat is configured to be inserted into the opening and removably securedto the gusset section via the set of tabs.

According to implementations in another regard, an apparel article forimproving protection is disclosed. The apparel article comprises a bodywith a gusset section attached thereto, wherein the gusset sectioncomprises an inner layer and an outer layer configured to be attached tothe body, and an insert positioned between the inner layer and the outerlayer, wherein the insert is comprised of at least one of viscose andpolyester.

According to implementations in another regard, an article of clothingis disclosed. The article of clothing comprises a gusset sectionconfigured to be removably secured to an individual. The gusset sectioncomprises an outer layer of fabric, and a layer of waterproof materialpositioned adjacent to the outer layer of fabric. The article ofclothing further comprises an insert positioned adjacent to thewaterproof layer, wherein the insert is comprised of at least one ofviscose and polyester.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate implementations of the presentdisclosure and together with the description, serve to explain theimplementations.

FIGS. 1A-D illustrate an exemplary undergarment comprising a closedgusset with a removable insert according to various implementations.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary undergarment comprising a fixed gussetwith a fixed insert according to various implementations.

FIGS. 3A-C illustrate an exemplary undergarment comprising an opengusset with a removable insert according to various implementations.

FIGS. 4A-B illustrate an exemplary undergarment according to variousimplementations.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate an exemplary undergarment according to variousimplementations.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary performance apparel according to variousimplementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments(exemplary embodiments) of the invention, examples of which areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the samereference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to thesame or like parts. In the following description, reference is made tothe accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, and in which isshown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice theinvention and it is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scopeof the invention. The following description is, therefore, merelyexemplary.

While the invention has been illustrated with respect to one or moreimplementations, alterations and/or modifications can be made to theillustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of theappended claims. In addition, while a particular feature of theinvention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of severalimplementations, such feature may be combined with one or more otherfeatures of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageousfor any given or particular function. Furthermore, to the extent thatthe terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variantsthereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, suchterms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term“comprising.” The term “at least one of” is used to mean one or more ofthe listed items can be selected.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges, percentages, and parameterssetting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, thenumerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported asprecisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently containscertain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation foundin their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosedherein are to be understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumedtherein. For example, a range of “less than 10” can include any and allsub-ranges between (and including) the minimum value of zero and themaximum value of 10, that is, any and all sub-ranges having a minimumvalue of equal to or greater than zero and a maximum value of equal toor less than 10, e.g., 1 to 5. In certain cases, the numerical values asstated for the parameter can take on negative values. In this case, theexample value of range stated as “less than 10” can assume values asdefined earlier plus negative values, e.g. −1, −1.2, −1.89, −2, −2.5,−3, −10, −20, −30, etc. It shall be further understood that anydisclosed percentages of material composition are merely exemplary, andthat other percentages are envisioned.

Embodiments as described herein generally relate to performance andintimate apparel. In particular, the performance and intimate apparelcan comprise materials and designs that can offer improvedbreathability, water repellency, wicking, moisture management, odor-freeprotection, and/or other benefits. Further, the performance and intimateapparel can comprise natural and synthetic materials such as, forexample, nylon, spandex, lycra, viscose, bamboo, polyester, rayon,Supplex®, polyurethane, and/or other fabrics or materials. According toimplementations, the apparel can comprise or otherwise be a part ofunderwear, yoga wear, adult and child diapers, active wear, performancewear, military field wear, and/or other types of apparel that cancomprise textiles and/or non-woven materials configured to be odor-free,wick moisture from the skin, repel water, be flame retardant, and/orperform other functions.

Referring to FIG. 1A, depicted is an exemplary apparel article 100. Moreparticularly, FIG. 1A depicts a gusset section of the article 100. Itshould be appreciated that the article 100 depicted in FIG. 1A is merelyexemplary and that other articles and configurations thereof areenvisioned.

The article 100 can comprise a front stitch line 102 that can beconfigured to secure the various layers of the gusset region from thefront of the article 100. Further, the article 100 can comprise a backstitch line 104 that can be configured to secure the various layers ofthe gusset region from the back of the article 100. Referring to FIG.1B, depicted is a detailed view of a gusset region 110 of the article100. According to implementations, the gusset region 110 can comprise aset of layers configured to improve the performance of the article 100.In particular, the gusset region 110 can comprise an outer fabric 112, awaterproof layer 114, and a set of lining pocket tabs 116. The outerfabric 112 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles andcombinations thereof such as, for example, polyurethane, nylon,microfiber, polyester, viscose, spandex, and/or others. Further, thewaterproof layer 114 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles andcombinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, nylon, terrycloth, microfiber, and/or others. In some embodiments, the waterprooflayer 114 can be comprised of 100% nylon, 100% polyurethane, or 75%polyester and 25% urethane. Still further, the set of lining pocket tabs116 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinationsthereof such as, for example, polyester, nylon, spandex, and/or others.In some embodiments, the set of lining pocket tabs 116 can be comprisedof 100% polyester.

The set of lining pocket tabs 116 can be configured to receive andsecure a removable pad 120, as shown in FIG. 1C. For example, asindicated by 122 in FIG. 1C, the ends of the removable pad 120 can beinserted into the respective set of lining pocket tabs 116, such thatthe removable pad 120 can be secured in the gusset region 110. Further,the removable pad 120 can be removed from the set of lining pocket tabs116. In implementations, the removable pad 120 can be washable andreusable in the article 100, or other articles.

Referring to FIG. 1D, depicted is a detailed view of the removable pad120. In implementations, the removable pad 120 can comprise two (2)layers of core material 132 and two (2) layers of lining 130. Further,the removable pad 120 can be in a range of about 6″ to 12″ long, and1.5″ to 5″ wide. Still further, the layers of the core material 132 canbe comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof suchas, for example, viscose, polyester, spandex, nylon, non-wovenmaterials, and/or others, and the layers of lining 130 can be comprisedof various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, forexample, terry cloth, microfiber, polyester, and/or others. In someembodiments, the layers of the core material 132 can be comprised of100% viscose, or 50% polyester and 50% viscose. Further, in someembodiments, the layers of lining 130 can be comprised of 100% polyestermicrofiber. It should be appreciated that the removable pad 120 cancomprise other layer amounts of core material and lining, and can beother dimensions. In embodiments, the removable pad 120 can be finishedwith a marrow stitched on one or more edges. Further, any or all of thelayers of core materials 132 and layers of lining 130 can be stitchedthrough vertically so that the removable pad 120 can stay togetherthrough use, washing, and other activities. For example, as shown inFIG. 1D, the removable pad 120 can comprise two (2), or other amounts,of lines stitched therethrough. In implementations, the removable pad120 can comprise a strip of Velcro® 125 or other similar fasteningmaterial or device on one or both ends, for optional fastening orsecuring to the set of lining pocket tabs 116.

Referring to FIG. 2, depicted is an exemplary gusset region 200 of anexemplary article, such as the article 100. According toimplementations, the gusset region 200 can comprise a fixed insert, incontrast to the removable pad 120 functionality as shown in FIG. 1C.More particular, the gusset region 200 can comprise an outer self fabric212, a waterproof layer 214, and a lining 216. In implementations, theouter fabric 212 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles andcombinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, viscose, and/orcombinations thereof. Further, the waterproof layer 214 can be comprisedof various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, forexample, polyurethane, nylon, and/or others. In some embodiments, thewaterproof layer 214 can be comprised of 100% nylon, 100% polyurethane,or 75% polyester and 25% urethane. Still further, the set of liningpocket tabs 216 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles andcombinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, cotton, terrycloth, microfiber, and/or others. In embodiments, the set of liningpocket tabs 216 can be comprised of 100% polyester.

The gusset region 200 can further comprise an absorbent core 220 thatcan be configured to repel and/or wick moisture, and/or perform otherfunctions. The absorbent core 220 can be configured with the same amountand type of layers as the removable pad 120, as described herein. Forexample, the absorbent core 220 can comprise one or more layers of corematerial and/or one or more layers of lining. Further, the absorbentcore 220 can be in a range of about 6″ to 12″ long, and 1.5″ to 5″ wide.It should be appreciated that the absorbent core 220 can comprise otherdimensions. Still further, the core material layer(s) of the absorbentcore 220 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinationsthereof such as, for example, viscose, polyester, and/or others, and thelining layers can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles andcombinations thereof such as, for example, polyurethane, nylon, and/orothers. In some embodiments, the core material layer(s) of the absorbentcore 220 can be comprised of 100% viscose, or 50% polyester and 50%viscose. Further, in some embodiments, the layers of lining of theabsorbent core 220 can be comprised of 100% polyester microfiber.

Referring to FIG. 3A, depicted is an exemplary apparel article 300. Moreparticularly, the article 300 can function as an open-front gusset. Thearticle 300 can comprise a front opening 302 that can comprise Velcro®or other similar fastening material or device to secure a gusset region310 to the article 300. More particularly, the article 300 can compriseVelcro® or other similar fastening material or device on both the frontof the gusset region 310 and the front of the article 300. Further, thearticle 300 can comprise a back gusset seam 304 that can be configuredto secure the various layers of the gusset region from the back of thearticle 300. As shown in FIG. 3A, the front of the gusset region 310 ofthe article 300 can be removably secured 305 to the front of the article300 via the front opening 302.

Referring to FIG. 3B, depicted is a detailed view of the gusset region310 of the article 300. According to implementations, the gusset region310 can comprise a set of layers configured to improve the performanceof the article 300. In particular, the gusset region 310 can comprise anouter fabric 312, a waterproof layer 314, and a set of lining pockettabs 316. The outer fabric 312 can be comprised of various fabrics,textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyurethane,nylon, microfiber, polyester, viscose, spandex, and/or others. Further,the waterproof layer 314 can be comprised of various fabrics, textilesand combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, nylon, terrycloth, microfiber, and/or others. In some embodiments, the waterprooflayer 314 can be comprised of 100% nylon, 100% polyurethane, or 75%polyester and 25% urethane. Still further, the set of lining pocket tabs316 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinationsthereof such as, for example, polyester, nylon, spandex, and/or others.In some embodiments, the set of lining pocket tabs 316 can be comprisedof 100% polyester.

The set of lining pocket tabs 316 can be configured to receive andsecure a removable pad 320, as shown in FIG. 3C. For example, asindicated by 322 in FIG. 3C, the ends of the removable pad 320 can beinserted into the respective set of lining pocket tabs 316, such thatthe removable pad 320 can be secured in the gusset region 310. Further,the removable pad 320 can be removed from the set of lining pocket tabs316. In implementations, the removable pad 320 can be washable andreusable in the article 300, or other articles. In embodiments, theremovable pad 320 can be the same or similar to the removable pad shownin FIG. 1D.

Referring to FIG. 4A, depicted are exemplary apparel articles. Inparticular, FIG. 4A depicts three (3) designs for a men's underwear orundergarment 405, 410, 415. It should be appreciated that the designs ofthe articles 405, 410, 415 are merely exemplary and that other designsare envisioned. Further, the articles 405, 410, 415 can each beconstructed according to various techniques, with various hems,materials, dimensions, stitches, and/or the like. According toembodiments, each of the articles 405, 410, 415 can comprise arespective set of panels 406, 411, 416. More particularly, the panelslabeled “1,” as shown in FIG. 4A, can depict the outer front crotchpanels, the panels labeled “2” can depict the middle layer front crotchpanels, and the panels labeled “3” can depict the inside front crotchpanels. In embodiments, the middle layer front crotch panels cancomprise an absorbent pad stitched, affixed, or removably attached tothe one or both of the outer front crotch panels and the inside frontcrotch panels. In some embodiments, the outer front crotch panels can becomprised of 84% nylon and 16% lycra.

Referring to FIG. 4B, depicted is a more detailed view of the article415. More particularly, the article 415 comprises an opening 424 betweenthe outer front crotch panel and the inside front crotch panel. Inembodiments, the opening 424 can be finished with a hem of double needlecover stitch that can be about ¼″ from the edge, or according to otherconfigurations. A removable pad 420 can be configured to be removablyinserted into the opening 424. More particularly, the removable pad 420can comprise a fastening device 422, such as a strip of Velcro® or othersimilar fastening material, that can attach to a similar componentwithin the article 415. In embodiments, the removable pad 420 can be thesame or similar to the removable pad shown in FIG. 1D.

It should be appreciated that the components of the apparel articles asdiscussed herein can be introduced or otherwise incorporated in otherforms of apparel. For example, FIG. 5A depicts a diaper article 500 thatcan be worn by an infant, child, or adult. The diaper article 500 cancomprise strips 502 of Velcro® or other similar fastening material thatcan allow an individual to secure the diaper article 500 to a person.Further, the diaper article 500 can comprise a lining 505 that can befixed or removably secured to the front, center, and/or back of thediaper article 500, as shown in FIG. 5A. In embodiments, the lining 505can be a waterproof lining and can be stitched to the diaper article500.

Further, referring to FIG. 5B, the lining 505 can comprise an edge 507that can be located at or near the leg openings of the diaper article500. Further, the edge 507 can be about 1″ tall, or other dimensions.Still further, the edge 507 can be tightened by a soft elastic toprevent leaking and to perform other functions. Moreover, the edge 507can be stitched to the seam that allocates a binding for the legopening. Referring to FIG. 5C, depicted is a fixed pad 510 that can beremovably secured to the lining 505 of the diaper article 500. Moreparticularly, the fixed pad 510 can be comprised of various fabrics,textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, bamboo,microfiber, terrycloth, muslin, cotton, viscose, polyester, nylon,and/or others. The fixed pad 510 can comprise a middle area 512 that canhave a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the ends of thefixed pad 510. Further, the fixed pad 510 can have an additional pad 515fixed or removably secured thereto. The additional pad 515 can becomprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as,for example, nylon, polyurethane, polyester, viscose, microfiber, and/orothers. In embodiments, the additional pad 515 can be the same orsimilar to the removable pad shown in FIG. 1D. Further, in embodiments,the additional pad 515 can comprise edges that can be finished with amarrow zig-zag stitch.

Referring to FIG. 6, depicted are exemplary apparel articles. Inparticular, FIG. 6 depicts three (3) views for a yoga wear article 605,610, 615. It should be appreciated that the views of the articles 605,610, 615 are merely exemplary and that other designs are envisioned.Further, the articles 605, 610, 615 can each be constructed according tovarious techniques, with various hems, materials, dimensions, stitches,and/or the like. In some embodiments, the articles 605, 610, 615 cancomprise an outer fabric that can be comprised of 88% nylon and 12%spandex, 86% nylon and 14% lycra, and/or other materials andcombinations. According to embodiments, each of the articles 605, 610,615 can have a fixed or removable pad secured thereto or otherwiseincorporated therein. More particularly, the yoga wear article asdepicted in FIG. 6 can have a fixed or removable pad secured from afront 607 of the article to a back 617 of the article. The fixed orremovable pad can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles andcombinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, viscose, nylon,polyurethane, and/or others. In embodiments, the fixed or removable padcan be the same or similar to the removable pad shown in FIG. 1D.

The articles of apparel and designs thereof, as discussed herein, aremerely exemplary, and can comprise different materials, constructions,dimensions, and/or the like. Therefore, the foregoing description isillustrative, and variations in configuration and implementation mayoccur to persons skilled in the art.

1. An undergarment for improving protection, the undergarmentcomprising: a body comprising a front section, a back section, and agusset section extending therebetween and configured to fit between legsof a user; an outer layer fixedly attached to the body and at leastpartially overlaying the gusset section; a set of tabs comprising afirst tab extending over the gusset section proximal to the frontsection of the body, and a second tab extending over the gusset sectionproximal to the back section of the body; and an insert removablyoverlaying at least a portion of the outer layer, the insert comprisinga first end, a second end, and a middle section extending between thefirst and second ends, wherein the first end is removably entrainedbetween the first tab and the gusset section and the second end isremovably entrained between the second tab and the gusset section, so asto secure the insert to the gusset section of the body, wherein themiddle section extends across an opening between the first and secondtabs so as to directly receive and absorb fluids.
 2. The undergarment ofclaim 1, wherein the insert comprises two layers of core material andtwo layers of lining.
 3. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the insertcomprises viscose, polyester, or a combination thereof.
 4. Theundergarment of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a core materialcomprised of 100% polyester, 100% viscose or a combination of about 50%viscose, and about 50% polyester.
 5. The undergarment of claim 1,wherein the insert comprises a core material comprised of 100%polyester, about 50% viscose and about 50% polyester or 100% viscose. 6.The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the gusset section furthercomprises a waterproof layer positioned adjacent to the set of tabs. 7.The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises edges that arefinished with a marrow stitch, and multiple layers that are stitchedtherethrough.
 8. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the gusset sectioncomprises nylon, spandex, polyurethane, viscose, polyester, or acombination thereof. 9.-15. (canceled)
 16. An article of clothing, thearticle of clothing comprising: a body configured to be removablysecured to an individual, the body comprising a front section, a backsection, and a gusset section extending therebetween and configured tofit between legs of the individual; an outer layer of fabric at leastpartially overlaying the gusset section, wherein the outer layer isfixedly attached to the body at and forms a seam with the front section,the back section, or both; a layer of waterproof material positionedadjacent to the outer layer of fabric; first and second tabs secured tothe body and extending over a portion of the outer layer; and an insertpositioned adjacent to the waterproof layer, and removably overlaying atleast a portion of the outer layer, wherein the insert comprises a firstend, a second end, and a middle section extending between the first andsecond ends, wherein the first end is removably disposed between thefirst tab and the outer layer and the second end is removably disposedbetween the second tab and the outer layer, to secure the insert to thegusset section, wherein the middle section extends across an openingbetween the first and second tabs so as to directly receive and absorbfluids, wherein the insert is comprised of at least one of viscose andpolyester.
 17. The article of clothing of claim 16, wherein the insertcomprises one or more layers of core material and one or more layers oflining.
 18. The article of clothing of claim 16, wherein the insertcomprises a core material comprising of 100% viscose.
 19. The article ofclothing of claim 16, wherein the insert comprises a core materialcomprised of about 50% viscose and about 50% polyester.
 20. The apparelarticle of claim 16, wherein the gusset section comprises nylon,spandex, viscose, polyester, or a combination thereof.
 21. Theundergarment of claim 1, wherein the insert is configured to be washedand reused.
 22. The article of claim 16, wherein the insert is washableand reusable.
 23. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the outer layerforms a seam with the back section, the front section, or both.